For those who are not aware Pre season starts for our
seniors and reserves on January 9th.
We welcome all new and existing players to the club.
With extensive changes at all levels and a vibrant proactive committee,
our club has never looked better.
Further notice to our women's trail dates will be published in the coming
days.

Frankston Open Mic

Frankston Open Mic Night might have to have a name change given that
it is now held on Sunday afternoons.

Established over 2 years ago to give local artists a stage on which
to perform, the event was originally held on alternate
Fridays at the Peninsula Strikers Soccer Club, McClelland Drive, Frankston.

The venue is the same but the date has been changed. Now held on the
second Sunday of the month the venue provides a PA,
drums, a bass combo (guitarists are notoriously precious about using
their own amplification) and someone to connect it all together.

Performers then add their name to the whiteboard to book a 20 minute
slot. Bands, duos, solo performers are all welcome and the music varies
from rock,
to blues through folk to classics.

The recently renovated clubhouse is family friendly so why not come
along with some friends and listen to the wealth of local talent.
The doors and bar open at 2.00pm with a planned finish of 6.00.

The next event will be on Sunday 10th Dec. Take a look at the Frankston
Open MIc Night Facebook page
or if you want further information call Tim 0437 291 169

It's with great pleasure we would like to announce the signing
of Andy O'Dell as head coach of our club for season 2018.
Andy is highly regarded in the football community and will be a great
asset to our club. He has had a decorated career both as a player and
coach, winning titles just about everywhere he has gone. Last season
Andy coached Altona City whilst winning the league and state cup, so
success is never far away from him.
Being able to attract someone like him is a massive boost for our club
and we look forward to seeing what he can bring in 2018

Welcome aboard Andy

Well what a season of mixed emotions. Where do I start?

As I am sure, like everyone associated with the club, I am extremely
disappointed with the on field results and the gut wrenching reality
of relegation that happened on Saturday. At the start of the year and
looking over our playing list, we certainly had our sights set to be
a promotion candidate and not be in this horrible situation but as they
say……….Life goes on and we must continue on!

That been said, there has been some great positives throughout the
year.
Our club got a great female friendly renovation and has made a great
difference to the whole aesthetics of the club. We have created a very
family orientated environment around the club and it has been fantastic
to see so many kids and families hang around after the games for long
periods of time. Your continued support has been much appreciated. The
club off the park and financially is in a great position, never better
and has a great starting platform for next year and beyond.
I would like to thank a few people who without them I would be lost
and none of this possible.
Firstly to Bianca, without you, I am not sure I would have been able
to do what I do. You have been my rock and a great help not only as
Treasurer but everything else you do and I promise to spend more time
with our family now it’s over. lol
To the coaches, managers and committee, thank you for all your efforts.
I know it can be a thankless job, but I appreciate your efforts throughout
the year.
I would also like to thank the sponsors whether great or small. Without
you, any club does not survive so I thank you so much and hope you all
continue to support us in our quest to get this great club to where
it rightfully belongs.
In the off season, there will be some big changes on and off the park.
You will see some extensive works going on around the club once again.
There are plans in place to bitumen the carpark with 130-150 spaces.There
are also plans to get both grounds a much needed make over with better
drainage on the main park.
The AGM is pencilled in for Wednesday October 11th at 7:30pm and we
welcome all people to join and assist our club in striving forward.
Remember many hands make light work.
There will be further details to follow.

Presentation Night is going to be a great night also. Tickets are selling
fast. If you have not got your tickets and are wanting to come. Please
text ,email or ring me. I will also be up the club Thesday and Thursday
this week.

TJ

Another turning point
A fork stuck in the road
Time grabs you by the wrist
Directs you where to go.......
Peninsula Strikers this Friday (22nd).
Open mic night. Door and bar open 7.00 with the opening act on at 8.
Bring some friends and join the fun. See you there.

AGM
Its that time of year again when all positions are open.
Come join our Annual General meeting and we openly invite you to have
your say within the club.
As you are well aware, a club needs plenty of volunteers to assist the
day to day runnings so dont just be that voice from the outside,
get onboard and support your local club.
Meeting will be Wednesday October 11th at 7.30pm sharp and will be held
at our Clubrooms on McClelland Drive.
We look forward to seeing you there.

A great result from the Strikers on the weekend regaining
the Steve Taylor Memorial Trophy

Come join us for our 2017 Reverse Raffle and Ladies
Day.

Ladies please join us for a wonderful meal at the club with a glass
of wine on arrival to celebrate our ladies day only 15pp.

Not to forget its Derby day against our local rivals Seaford where
we will hopefully regain the Steve Taylor Shield.

Reserves at 1pm
Seniors at 3pm

The canteen will be open from 12pm.

The Reverse Raffle function will begin at 7.30pm.

$50 entry fee will include beer wine and soft drink as well as basic
spirits at $3 between 7.30pm 10.30pm and finger food will be provided.

SENIOR PAID PLAYERS: 2 Tickets must be purchased

RESERVE PLAYERS, WOMEN, CELEBRITIES, METRO 5: Compulsory attendance
by player tickets be sold on Thursdays and Saturdays for next 4/5 weeks.

Tickets for the draw will initially be 1-100.

More numbers will be available if the 100 numbers are sold. Which
will increase prize money.

$50 per number

PRIZES:

1st number out the draw: $50+
3rd last number out: $250+
2nd last number out: $750+
Last number out: $2000+

Spot prizes at 25th, 50th, 75th 90th tickets out.

Numbers that will be auctioned on the night; 40,60,70,80 & 95.

EVERY PLAYER AT THE CLUB IS EXPECTED TO SELL 1 NUMBER it can be bought
by yourself or someone else.

Ticket sales are open now so if you want to buy a ticket contact Tommy
Hawkins and he will arrange the tickets and draw numbers.

Contact Tom Hawkins on Facebook or 0473640646 or message the Facebook
page.

Make sure you join us next Saturday the 22nd of July for what promises
to be a fantastic day.

????We have Ladies day which starts at 1pm.... it would be great to
see old and new faces at the club on this day dedicated to our better
halves.
For only $15 you will receive a meal and a glass of wine on arrival
????

THEN we have what promises to be a BLOCKBUSTER local derby against
our fiercest rivals
Seaford United where the boys try to regain the Steve Taylor shield.

After all this we have the MAIN EVENT our 2017 Reverse Raffle

WE ONLY HAVE 9 NUMBERS REMAINING

Peninsula Strikers are delighted to announce that Willie Raynes has
agreed to become senior coach for the remainder of the 2017 season.

Willie is a former player of Peninsula Strikers having made 48 appearance
scoring 24 goals
he also has a decorated background as a footballer in England having
played for Wolves and Rotherham United.

Willie also played for Heidelberg United and coached alongside Adam
Jamieson at Frankston Pines and Mornington SC

The committee would like to wish Willie the best of luck in the role.

Frankston Open Mic Night

There's a place for us,
A time and place for us.
Hold my hand and we're halfway there.
Hold my hand and I'll take you there........
Peninsula Strikers Soccer Club
Friday 30th June for Frankston Open Mic night.
Doors open at 7 with live music from 8-11.
Come along with a bunch of friends and join in or just sit and listen
to local musicians. See you there.
Somehow.
Someday.
Some WHRERRRRRRRRRRR.......

“It was a strong performance and we were unfortunate not to take
all three points having hit the post and having one cleared off the
line,” said Lewis.

“Young Aiden McKenna is just 16 and he had an excellent game
at left back.”

Strikers were without defensive linchpin Chris McKenna, who was working
in Sydney, and Tom Hawkins who was suspended after accumulating five
yellow cards.

And gun striker Aziz Bayeh was forced off with a hamstring injury after
22 minutes and was replaced by Trevor Johnston.

An own goal in the 59th minute gave Strikers the lead but Eltham substitute
Peter Koskos equalised in the 81st minute.

Frankston Open Mic Night

You know it's really not my habit to intrude
And I hope my meaning won't be lost or misconstrued
But I am willing to repeat myself
At the risk of being rude
But OPEN MIC NIGHT IS THIS FRIDAY. (16th)
Yes the heating is installed and hot enough to melt man made fabrics
so normal service is resumed. Doors and bar open at 7.00 till 11.
See you at the Strikers

Strikers v Mazenod Unitedby CRAIG MACKENZIE
Peninsula Strikers finished all over Mazenod United to record a 3-1
home win
in their State 2 South-East fixture last weekend.
Chris McKenna’s excellent re-enactment of the Stevie Gerrard slip
set up Mazenod’s Adam Neou in the 35th minute
and he neatly lobbed the ball over the head of stranded Strikers keeper
Colin McCormack.
Two minutes from half-time Robert D’Angelo, one of three brothers
in Mazenod’s starting line-up,
shrugged off the attentions of Conor Keeley only for McCormack to spread
himself well
and smother D’Angelo at close range.
McCormack again had to come to Strikers’ aid when Vicente Vasquez
broke through in the 53rd minute
but the Irish stopper was off his line in a flash to block superbly.
Four minutes later Aziz Bayeh broke onto a long clearance and held off
a defender before slotting the ball
past helpless Mazenod keeper Nicholas Van Hattum to make it 1-1.
A momentum shift was evident in the second half and Bayeh gave Strikers
the lead in the 75th minute.
Tom Hawkins intercepted the ball on the right and played it into the
path of Bayeh who turned his man inside out
before thumping a close-range shot past Van Hattum and inside the near
post.
In the 86th minute central midfielder Sam Scott chipped the ball down
the right for Bayeh
whose cutback found Scott charging into the area and his low first-time
strike settled the issue.
Strikers were well served by Swiss holding midfielder Raphael Stulz
whose workrate was immense.
Head coach Craig Lewis was unavailable due to illness so assistant Billy
Buchanan
and reserves coach Graham Watson stepped into the breach.
The win was celebrated with gusto and the players dedicated their success
to club legend
Clayton Lee whose 70th birthday party was held on Saturday night.

Prepare to be amazed. We hope you can join us for what promises to be
a great night on Saturday 26th August! The amazing Bizarre Gazzard takes
to the stage

Tickets $40 per person.

Let's make this a fantastic night.

See Bianca Rich, Trevor Johnston or Tom Hawkins for tickets.

Bianca:- 0408384155
Tom:- 0473640646

Come join us for our 2017 Reverse Raffle and
Family Fun Day.

Bring the kids there will be plenty to keep them entertained including
jumping castle and face painting.

Not to forget its Derby day against our local rivals Seaford where
we will hopefully regain the Steve Taylor Shield.

Reserves at 1pm
Seniors at 3pm

The canteen will be open from 12pm.

The Reverse Raffle function will begin at 7.30pm.

$50 entry fee will include beer wine and soft drink as well as basic
spirits at $3 between 7.30pm 10.30pm and finger food will be provided.

SENIOR PAID PLAYERS: 2 Tickets must be purchased

RESERVE PLAYERS, WOMEN, CELEBRITIES, METRO 5: Compulsory attendance
by player tickets be sold on Thursdays and Saturdays for next 4/5 weeks.

Tickets for the draw will initially be 1-100.

More numbers will be available if the 100 numbers are sold. Which will
increase prize money.

$50 per number

PRIZES:

1st number out the draw: $50+
3rd last number out: $250+
2nd last number out: $750+
Last number out: $2000+

Spot prizes at 25th, 50th, 75th 90th tickets out.

Numbers that will be auctioned on the night; 40,60,70,80 & 95.

EVERY PLAYER AT THE CLUB IS EXPECTED TO SELL 1 NUMBER it can be bought
by yourself or someone else.

Ticket sales are open now so if you want to buy a ticket contact Tommy
Hawkins and he will arrange the tickets and draw numbers.

Contact Tom Hawkins on Facebook or 0473640646 or message the Facebook
page.

The History Wall is back
Have a look at our History, check out players who have played for the
club, who has scored our goals, which team we have played the most against,
our best result, our championship teams and much more, you might even
be able to help fill some gaps.

Karingal United Soccer Club
Reunion
Saturday 2nd September
For more information contact
Martin Moore 0447 536 316
or online using the following bank account
NAB 083-29424-286-9542
Put your surname as reference
or buy tickets at the club

Beaumaris v StrikersStrikers dump Parrella over Werribee move
CRAIG MACKENZIE
May 22, 2017
Leandro Parrella has played his last game for Peninsula Strikers

Leandro Parrella and Peninsula Strikers have parted company over the
Italian’s pending move to NPL2 club Werribee City.
Parrella was one of three players Strikers imported for this season
through player agency Soccer Smart but his association with the club
has ended on a sour note.
“As far as we’re concerned Leandro is trying to engineer
a move so he will never play for us again,” said Strikers gaffer
Craig Lewis.
It was at training last week that Parrella told Lewis of his intentions
and the 30-year-old is expected to sign for the NPL2 outfit this week.
Parrella has an impressive CV having spent 11 years at Vicenza Calcio
in Italy’s Serie B.
He started in the club’s academy squad and eventually served a
two-year apprenticeship before advancing to the senior squad.
Parrella spent two seasons playing with the under 21s and reserves before
joining fourth-tier outfit Mezzocorona and helping it win promotion
to Serie C.
He was signed by Sambonifacese in Serie D and helped it win promotion
in his first season.
He had two more seasons with Sambonifacese before joining Domegliara
in Serie D, his last Italian club prior to his move to Strikers in January.
The other big news from Centenary Park is that the club is negotiating
with a player from Panama.
He can play wide left or up front and looms as a readymade replacement
for the talented Vladimir Kosovac from Goulburn Valley Suns.
Kosovac joined Strikers in April but suffered a serious hamstring injury
at training and is expected to be sidelined for the remainder of the
season.
Strikers lost 1-0 away to Beaumaris on Saturday with the sides separated
by a Grant Davies own goal as he was attempting a clearance in the first
half.

Strikers v Old ScotchBy Craig MacKenzie
Peninsula Strikers had to settle for a 1-1 draw in Saturday’s
State 2 South-East home game against Old Scotch.
Strikers featured new signing Sam Scott and the former Langy and Clifton
Hill midfielder impressed Strikers’ coaching staff.
“Sam’s an exceptional footballer and he brought another
dimension to our game,” said Strikers’ head coach Craig
Lewis.
The home team suffered an early setback when Old Scotch swung in a free
kick from a wide position
and Chris McKenna’s attempt to head clear went in off Piotr Korczyk.
Strikers created enough chances to win comfortably but their dominance
of possession couldn’t be translated into goals.
Their sole reply came in the 68th minute when Trevor Johnson was at
the back post to head home following a Tom Hawkins’ cross.
A few minutes later Strikers’ fans watched in dismay as the referee
produced a straight red for Strikers’ midfielder Danny Brooks.
“That’s the best we’ve played all year. To create
that many chances and to look solid defensively were pleasing aspects,”
said Lewis.
The Strikers’ boss wouldn’t be drawn into comment on the
Brooks send-off but was clearly upset by the decision.

Frankston Pines V Strikers
By Craig MacKenzie

FFV’s war on common sense raged unabated prior to Saturday’s
State 2 South-East derby between Frankston Pines and Peninsula Strikers
at Monterey Reserve.
As Strikers warmed up the referee told team manager Matt Bennett that
his players had to change their socks otherwise he was abandoning the
match.
This was in spite of the fact that the opposing sets of tops made it
impossible for any confusion to arise in terms of identifying the combatants.
Bennett initially stood his ground pointing out that there was a reserves
match underway and the reserves referee didn’t share the senior
ref’s sock fixation.
Bennett soon discovered he was facing a level of intransigence that
would test the patience of the Dalai Lama
so he departed the referees’ room and shortly after Strikers’
president and first team player Trevor Johnston arrived to take up the
cudgels.
Johnston can be a feisty character and he believes in standing his ground
but the best he could negotiate was that the 3pm kick-off would be waived
for 30 minutes to allow Strikers time to fetch an alternative set of
socks.
Enter a beacon of common sense in the form of Pines coach Billy Rae
who had a simple solution to the standoff and not long after his intervention
Strikers were running onto the pitch for the senior match wearing socks
borrowed from their opponent.
Eventually the match got underway and Strikers prevailed 1-0 with the
pivotal moment arriving in the 68th minute.
Johnston should have put Strikers ahead a minute earlier but struck
the far post and Pines were still trying to get organised at the back
when Johnston was again in a scoring situation and he made no mistake
this time smashing the ball past Pines keeper Alfonso Cardinale from
close range.
Johnston’s elaborate celebration took him towards the stand in
the outer where Strikers senior coach Craig Lewis and assistant Billy
Buchanan were serving one match touchline bans for being sent off the
previous week against Seaford United.
They also were fined $500 each and there’s a chance that Lewis
may feature in FFV’s annual report as one of the federation’s
major income streams.
But back to the football. Pines had created the best two chances of
the first half.
In the 6th minute Strikers keeper Colin McCormack was forced to smother
after Jack Wrobel had broke through on the right and in the 20th minute
Graham Hill should have at least got his free header on target following
a corner to the back post.
The closest Strikers came was from Danny Brooks’ 12th minute free
kick that forced Cardinale to dive down low and tip the ball wide of
the far post.
Luke Murray’s second caution in the 60th minute ended his involvement
in the contest and Hill joined him in injury time with a second yellow
card.
Inbetween McCormack was forced to parry a sizzling long-range strike
by Ben Millward and Leandro Parrella wasted a fine overlap from substitute
Tom Hawkins on the right by blasting his shot over from 10 metres.
There may be news on the transfer front from Centenary Park later this
week.

Seaford v Strikers
By Craig MacKenzie

Peninsula Strikers broke through for its first league win of the season
on Saturday, a 2-0 derby triumph against Seaford United at North Seaford
Reserve.
A superb Chris McKenna ball sent Aziz Bayeh through in the 15th minute
but he shot straight at Seaford keeper Harrison Burgess.
Two minutes later a Danny Brooks free kick on the left was headed wide
by Trevor Johnston.
In the 21st minute Seaford midfielder Paul McGuire sent Alex Roberts
clear on the left and he played the ball across the face of goal but
Troy Williams slid down and cleared.
The deadlock was broken in the 24th minute when Seaford failed to deal
with Johnston’s long throw and Brooks hammered home the loose
ball from close range.
Tom Natoli crossed from the right in the 36th minute and Roberts’
spectacular overhead kick sailed just wide.
A minute later the home team was staring down the barrel when a defensive
blunder enabled Bayeh to skip clear on the right and his cutback was
met by Alex Hopson who took a touch before striking a low shot that
eluded Burgess to make it 2-0.
A weak shot by Mitch Lander in the 41st minute was the first time Seaford
was on target but a minute later Lander forced Strikers’ custodian
Colin McCormack into a fine low save.
Lander was thwarted by McCormack again in the second half as was Seaford
teammate Tom Natoli while Roberts blew a gilt-edged chance by blasting
high and wide from close range.
Strikers’ head coach Craig Lewis and assistant Billy Buchanan
were sent off in the second half while Seaford remains anchored to the
foot of the ladder with just one point.

Former Hearts attacking midfielder Ryan Stevenson has changed his mind
at the 11th hour and scuppered his planned move to Australia to join
Peninsula Strikers.

He was hours away from boarding a flight at Glasgow Airport and Strikers
officials had arranged to meet their star import at Melbourne Airport
tonight (Monday).

The 32-year-old attacking midfielder or striker has played over 400
games as a professional in Scotland and England and had just arranged
his visa and international clearance and the club had registered him
as a Striker’s player.

Stevenson is from the former mining village of Drongan in Ayrshire
and began his professional career as a youth player with English giant
Chelsea.

He returned to Scotland in 2002 and joined St Johnstone before switching
to Ayr United, initially on loan before making the move permanent in
2007.

In 2010 Stevenson started the first of two spells at Hearts, joined
English outfit Ipswich Town in 2012 then transferred back to Hearts
that same year.

Since then he has had stints with Partick Thistle, Ayr United, Dumbarton
and Raith Rovers and ended his professional career last month when he
signed for Troon in the West of Scotland Super League Premier Division.

Stevenson’s professional career highlights include scoring both
goals in Hearts’ 3-2 loss to St Mirren in the 2013 Scottish League
Cup Final, scoring for Hearts in wins over Glasgow giants Rangers and
Celtic and Edinburgh rival Hibs and being called up to the Scotland
squad in 2011 for a friendly against Cyprus.

State 1 North-West outfit Preston Lions last week made a cheeky bid
to prise Stevenson from Strikers’ clutches.

It is believed that Preston offered Stevenson $700 a game but the Scot
rejected their overtures and phoned Strikers’ coach Craig Lewis
to tell him what had happened.

“Ryan rang me as soon as Preston tried to sign him and said that
he told them he had agreed with Strikers and that he would honour his
word,” said Lewis.

The latest twist to the Stevenson story took Strikers completely by
surprise and the club was still coming to terms with his change of heart
as this story went online.

“I received a text from Ryan just hours before he was due to
board a flight to Australia saying that he wouldn’t be coming
here as it was too big a move away from his two young sons,” said
Lewis.

“He has pulled out of the move. It’s completely off and
to say I am devastated is an understatement.”

Strikers last week ended negotiations with another Scottish midfielder,
Cowdenbeath’s Brian Ross, and have now turned their attention
to 22-year-old defender Sean McCall who joined Kirkintilloch Roy Roy
last August from Tower Hearts.

It is unclear whether or not the club will reopen negotiations with
Ross now that the Stevenson deal has fallen through but Lewis will hold
a Skype session with McCall this week and hopes to entice the Scot to
Centenary Park.

Lewis has also been active on the local market with the capture of
18-year-old former Bentleigh Greens midfielder Emmanual Brima and late
last week completed the signing of left winger Vladimir Kosovac from
Goulburn Valley Suns.

Kosovac, 22, was with Serbian club OFK Beograd in 2016.

English central defender Michael Nugent is training with Strikers and
is expected to sign. Nugent was a teammate of Mornington star Ryan Paczkowski
at Harworth Colliery in the Central Midlands League North.

Don’t be surprised if Strikers make a bid to sign big English
striker Gino Defeo who severed ties with Mornington last weekend.

Defeo and Aziz Bayeh would make a formidable attacking option.

The need to strengthen Strikers’ squad was emphasised on Saturday
as the club lost its fourth straight league game going down to a 22nd
minute Gethin Jones goal at home to State 2 South-East rival Doveton.

Danijel Buhic of Doveton was sent off in the 50th minute.

Ryan Stevenson to join Peninsula Strikers
By Craig MacKenzie

Peninsula Strikers have pulled off the transfer coup of the season
by clinching the signature of Scottish star Ryan Stevenson.

The 32-year-old attacking midfielder or striker has played over 400
games as a professional in Scotland and England and will fly to Melbourne
as soon as his visa and international clearance are arranged.

The Centenary Park outfit is hopeful that Stevenson will arrive this
week and be the first of a number of clutch signings it hopes to make
in the next fortnight.

Among them is former Bentleigh Greens midfielder Emmanuel Brima, 18,
who has been training with Strikers after recently returning from a
12-month involvement with AC Milan’s youth system.

English central defender or right back Michael Nugent is expected to
train with Strikers this week and former Langwarrin midfielder and current
Cilfton Hill player Sam Scott is firmly on Strikers’ radar.

The club is in talks with two other local players but it may take another
couple of weeks before they reach a decision.

The local game has rarely seen such an influx of visa players and Strikers
have outdone every other club in the area with the capture of Stevenson.

The stunning signing may not have come about had Strikers’ head
coach and former Glasgow Rangers striker Craig Lewis not been such an
avid reader of the online version of Scotland’s national daily
tabloid the Daily Record.

“I came across Ryan’s story last month when he retired
from professional football and a couple of weeks later I was talking
to an ex-teammate, Rab MacKenzie, who was over on work,” said
Lewis.

“I asked Rab if he knew of any junior league players back home
who might be interested in coming over and he mentioned Ryan.

“He said he didn’t know Ryan that well but if we could
get someone like that it would completely blow everyone away.

“I searched out Ryan on Facebook and sent him a message asking
if he’d be interested in coming to Australia for the rest of the
season for a change of environment away from the hounding of the press
and he got straight back and said he’d be over on the first available
plane!

“It’s evolved extremely quickly and we’ve spoken
to him every day since.

“To be honest I was chancing my arm but the response Ryan gave
us meant we had to act quickly and get this done.

“It will change the face of the game on the peninsula that’s
for sure especially if we can start attracting players of his calibre.

“He was really keen from the outset and told me that he’s
got a mate who came over a couple of years back and told him that it
was the best move he’d ever made and that he should get over here
the first chance he got.”

Stevenson is from the former mining village of Drongan in Ayrshire
and began his professional career as a youth player with English giant
Chelsea.

He returned to Scotland in 2002 and joined St Johnstone before switching
to Ayr United, initially on loan before making the move permanent in
2007.

In 2010 Stevenson started the first of two spells at Hearts, joined
English outfit Ipswich Town in 2012 then transferred back to Hearts
that same year.

Since then he has had stints with Partick Thistle, Ayr United, Dumbarton
and Raith Rovers and ended his professional career last month when he
signed for Troon in the West of Scotland Super League Premier Division.

Stevenson’s professional career highlights include scoring both
goals in Hearts’ 3-2 loss to St Mirren in the 2013 Scottish League
Cup Final, scoring for Hearts in wins over Glasgow giants Rangers and
Celtic and Edinburgh rival Hibs and being called up to the Scotland
squad in 2011 for a friendly against Cyprus.

The thought of Stevenson linking with ace striker Aziz Bayeh is a mouth-watering
prospect for Strikers’ fans and if the club is successful with
its other targets it will have a formidable line-up.

“We know what we want to achieve this season and we’ve
got off to a terrible start and need to strengthen,” said Lewis.

“We want to turn our season around and I’m confident that
we can.”

Strikers lost their third straight game of the State 2 South-East season
when they went down 6-3 away to Doncaster Rovers last Friday night with
four individual errors leading to Rovers’ goals and emphasising
the need to add to the squad.

Stevenson will be the club’s fourth import for 2017 following
in the footsteps of English midfielder Danny Brooks, Italian midfielder
Leandro Parrella and Swiss central defender Raphael Stulz.

(Photo from Wikipedia commons)

Peninsula Strikers head coach Craig Lewis is
considering whether or not to walk away from the game after Saturday’s
controversial FFA Cup loss to South Springvale.
The decorated former player is so frustrated with officialdom that he
could quit the sport that has played an integral role in his life since
childhood.
Strikers lost 4-2 to South Springvale at Centenary Park after extra
time.
The home side put on an impressive performance against their more fancied
State 1 opponent only to come undone in the final minutes of normal
time after ending up on the wrong end of a decision that turned the
contest.
Strikers had gone into this clash without suspended duo Raphael Stultz
and Aziz Bayeh and injured right back Scott Buchanan but two goals in
the opening half-hour from Langwarrin recruit Michael Turner had the
home team in control.
Turner’s second goal in the 26th minute was a gem, a stunning
first time volley into the top corner from just inside the area.
Clearly Turner enjoyed the moment for the next day at Lawton Park the
wee man gave a vivid account of the biomechanics of his wonder strike
even providing a demonstration.
It took South Springvale until the 85th minute to hit back with a goal
from Sajad Mohammadi but substitute Nathan Fenech’s 89th minute
equaliser was met with disbelief from Strikers’ fans.
“Danny Brooks was felled inside our area and everyone stopped
waiting for the free kick but one of their guys just kicked the ball
across goal in frustration and another one of their players put it in
and the referee awarded a goal,” said Lewis.
“Players from their dugout ran onto the pitch when they scored
and none of them were booked but when I asked the referee to explain
why he didn’t give us the blatant free kick he sent me off the
bench.
“I never swore at the referee. All I did was ask for an explanation
of why he didn’t see the free kick. I’m allowed to do that
as the senior coach and so is my captain.
“Even South Springvale’s coaching staff and some of their
committee came up to me after the game and told me we were robbed.
“I’ve never seen anything like that before. His decision
was absolutely baffling but it’s got to the point that we don’t
have a voice in the game anymore because you can’t speak to referees
nowadays.
“I feel like I have been put in the dock because of his poor decision.
“Our players were outstanding and they didn’t deserve what
they got.”
Substitute Marcelo Arapis scored four minutes into extra time and a
second controversial goal by Fenech in the 119th minute rounded off
the 4-2 scoreline.

Peninsula Strikers are looking to fill the all
important position and roll of Club Treasurer.
You would be working with a new and vibrant committee as well being
part of our
new look club and its renovations.
If you think you have the skills and want to be part of an exciting
time at our club,
please don't hesitate to contact me for further details

Trev
0412 760 038

Just to let everyone know, we have 3 new players coming
from overseas to join our club in the coming
month for season 2017 and we are looking for assistance with some short
term housing. If anyone knows
anybody looking for a housemate or has room to accommodate a player
for the first month of his stay
here. Please get in touch with me as we'd love to hear from you. The
3 boys, 1 English, 1 American and 1
Italian are all quality lads and are going to be a great asset to the
club.
Spread the word and see if u can help us out for a month

Dear all,

2017 Pre season begins at Peninsula Strikers this Sunday the 8th January.
Start time 11am. All current and
new players welcome to attend. Please bring Boots AND Runners to ALL
pre season sessions.
Games scheduled during pre season is as follows:
Intra Club Game - Home 15th January 11 am
Intra Club Game - Home 19th January 7pm
Knox City 21st January - Home 4pm & 6pm
Intra Club Game - Home 26th January
Mornington Peninsula Cup 28th January at Mornington - All Day
Morwell Pegasus - 4th & 5th February - Away (pre season Camp) KOTBD
St.Kilda Celtic - 11th February - Home 3pm & 5pm
Beaumaris 18th February - Home 4pm & 6pm
Mornington 23rd February - Home KOTBD
Intra Club Game 25th February - Home 2pm & 4pm

Cheers,

The coachng staff Peninsula Strikers.

Guys the pre season is fast approaching and it's now
time to start thinking about pre season preparation.
Getting yourself into the best shape ready to tackle a busy schedule
ahead.
This is the year of the Strikers, so get onboard what will be a massive
year for us.
Senior pre season matches penciled
21st Jan - vs Knox
28th Jan - Peninsula Cup @ Mornington
4th Feb - pre season camp/trip plus game against Morwell at Morwell
11th Feb - vs StKilda @ home
18th Feb - vs Beaumaris @ home
23rd Feb - vs Mornington @ home
FFA Cup Rd 2. 4/5 March
FFA Cup Rd 3. 11/12 March
FFA Cup Rd 4. 18/19 March
2017 Season commences 25 March.
Preparation starts now.
Can't wait

TJ

Pre-season will commence on Sunday January 8th. This
seasons pre-season training will be shorter and sharper than last season
so we can peak at the business end of the year. We felt that we faded
towards the latter part of the season, hence the later start. We have
a series of games scheduled for Mid/late January so the games will be
on us pretty quickly. The start time for the first session will be 11am.
On this day we shall have a 2 hour session followed by a briefing of
the pre-season program and a bbq. Look forward to seeing everyone there
for what is shaping up to be a huge year with the launching/opening
of the new club. Cheers. Trevor Johnston (President)